United Nations Radio

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the Sri Lankan government to keep its promise to provide humanitarian assistance to the more than 300,000 people displaced by the just-ended conflict between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

The Secretary-General met with government officials when he visited Sri Lanka late last month and secured their agreement to allow humanitarian workers unimpeded access to help the displaced.

During his visit, Mr. Ban promised that the UN would also help the Sri Lankan government in its efforts to resettle the displaced in their original homes, and where necessary help with demining efforts.

Speaking to journalists after briefing the Security Council on Friday, Mr. Ban warned against the risk of what he called "triumphalism".

" This will really hinder the ongoing efforts by the Sri Lankan government and people and international community in helping to heal the wounds. It is very much important at this time to unite and heal the wounds and rather than enjoy all this triumphalism in the wake of the end of conflict "

The Secretary-General said he was also prepared to help the government to reach out to minority authorities including Tamil and Muslim communities. He called on the Sri Lankan government to recognize the international call for transparency, accountability and investigation, whenever and wherever there are credible allegations of violations of international humanitarian law.

Diane Bailey, United Nations.

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